Artsy Mondays
I always find breaks from work inspire my work – do you know what I mean? Do you feel the same way?
Over the Christmas and New Years’ break, I had a lovely time re-focusing on what I want to work on this new year.
I have put traction to many of my artsy goals, including keeping up a sketchbook habit. I’ve been slack on this since graduating from my Bachelors of Fine Art from the University of Alberta… and that was over a decade ago! Eek!
Being both a writer and an artist, I tend to sketch AND write in my sketchbooks, however this annoys me somehow – I don’t know why – thus one of my New Years resolutions of sorts is to keep my literary and artistic ideas a bit more separated… It’s been going okay, ha! Not fabulously.
Besides the sketchbook, I’ve got other projects on the go, which I’ll share with you soon. I’m EXCITED!
What are your creative ambitions for 2020?
One of my arts-advocacy goals for this year is to share and celebrate the creativity of my fellow artists. Blogging about my own work all the time felt boring. It’ll still happen, but variety is the spice of life (that’s the saying, right?).
Today on Artsy Monday, I welcome a very special guest:
Dawn Saunders Dahl
Dawn is a supportive and thoughtful artist, tirelessly creating connections and art with meaning. I always appreciate encountering Dawn and hope you enjoy her interview and artwork.
Artist Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
When I attended Red Deer College.
Art by Dawn Saunders Dahl
Who are the artists that have had the greatest influence on you and why?
Red Deer Instructors: Chuck Wissinger, Ceramics, and Anna Loseva (Alex Losett), Painting. Both taught me how to draw and provided a number of life lessons, one of which is to give back. Alex was a Russian who was classically trained, Chuck was from the Appalachian Mountains. I stayed an extra year to study with both, as they had very different teaching styles and outlooks.
What is the inspiration behind your artwork?
At the moment it has been the last decade of research into my family ancestry, finding Metis scrips, photos and stories as well as now research into my European ancestry (British/Irish/Scottish/Norwegian/Swedish/French). I also create a lot of projects for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and community members in the spirit of reconcile-ACTION. I have been very fortunate to have been able to meet fantastic people and work in environments that support my ideas and are patient with the processes.
Art by Dawn Saunders Dahl
What is distinctive about your art that sets it apart from others?
I paint portraits and have started to explore landscapes, photography and film. I have a number of different mediums that I like to work in and continue to explore with.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Don’t give up! It is hard work – be prepared to learn about numerous jobs (grant writing, accounting, website and social media, markets, woodworking, etc.) then you get to make the art, on top of the job you have to pay your rent.
Art by Dawn Saunders Dahl
Describe the environment or your studio in which you create. Do you have any artmaking rituals?
Studio 209 is located in Canmore, I share the space with 2 other artists – Wanda Ellerbeck and Jennifer d’Entremont. I feel very calm, inspired and extremely lucky to be living in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Dawn Saunders Dahl
What destination around the world most inspires your work?
Any landscape is inspiring – I appreciate the big open prairies as well as water and mountain views.
Did you go to art school or are you self-taught? What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned along the way?
I attended Red Deer College and the University of the Arts (ACAD) in Calgary. Biggest lesson – don’t let loud opinions stop you from making art.
Art by Dawn Saunders Dahl
If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?
A way to find more time and resources to enable anyone to be part of the big projects I work on.
Where can people find you online or in person (gallery, upcoming show, etc.)?
dawnsaundersdahl.ca or email me to arrange to visit my studio! Dawn.saundersdahl@gmail.com
Art by Dawn Saunders Dahl
What’s Happening!
If you are in the Edmonton area, please join me at InFocus Photo Exhibit & Awards! The opening party will be a blast and I’ve got big news to share… We have two new awards this year!
Technicare Portrait Award
Prize: The printing of a Fine Art Premium 1.5” canvas up to 24″ x 36″
Technicare Landscape Award
Prize: The printing of a Metal print with hanger up to 20″ x 30″
Thank you to everyone at Technicare! They have been a longtime supporter of InFocus and I am so grateful. I have used them to print my photographs for years – even back when I was in my under grad days studying photography at the University of Alberta! (This will age me, but back then I was taking them rolls of film to process and was shopping their medium format film from the film fridge.)
Another exciting photography opportunity: INFOCUS PHOTO PORTFOLIO REVIEWS
Meet with ALL 4 distinguished Portfolio Reviewers, speed-dating-style, for $38. 10 min per reviewer.
Invest in yourself & your photography.
Bring printed photographs, a bound portfolio, or images on your laptop or tablet. The reviewers will look at your work, give feedback on how to make it better and how to promote yourself – and anything else you may be wondering about how to take your photography to the NEXT LEVEL.
See all info about the portfolio reviews, plus the line up of portfolio reviewers, by clicking here.
InFocus Photography Exhibit 2020 boasts an impressive line-up of Canada’s top-notch professional and emerging photographers.
The winner will be announced at the InFocus Photo Exhibit opening reception, February 5, 2020.
Click the ‘Vote’ button on the photo you wish to support. Each household may vote for one (1) image every day. Click individual thumbnails to see the full image. Easy! Help us crown a winner!
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD SPONSOR:
